Hello to all

I will have to get a kit for my Alk, Phosphate, Calcium my ammonia nitrite levels are at 0. My high ph range is at 8.2 I have been doing regular water changes and I am having some problems with my Nitrate levels but they are now at 5.0 I will be getting a protein skimmer Wednesday so I hope it helps with that

 

Welcome to 3Reef!

Just how many fish were you planning in that 30? SW tanks and the waste export do much better with a limited # of fish. I know how many I'd put if I had a 30, but I'll let you decide for you.
You might want to look into a powerhead, I suggest the Jabeo WP10 for that tank.
FWIW- I have had 10 fish in my 125g for years.

 

did not notice yesterday that I posted the same link twice. Here is another site for reef cleaner packs

Cleaner Packages with Free Shipping

Protein skimmer will be helpful

If you are using a filter pad in your hang on skimmer it could be cause of high nitrates.
Also have you invested in a RO/DI unit yet? If yes then you can clean your filter pad with that.

5ppm is nothing to be overly concerned about at this time

So in my opinion

1) you said you have the protein skimmer coming (awesome)
2) if no RO/DI look to invest
3) Start researching refugium and other filter options.
4) get those other test kits
keep up the good work

 

I may never get more fish I want my tank healthy not over crowded. I just wanted to know what other fish I could get if I do get anymore I will only get one(maybe two) I want to make sure its a fish I want and not have fish buyers remorse lol. also I think if I get enough cleaner crew for my sandbed I should be able to stay away from sand sifter fish as they seem to make a lot of mess also if I help to stir the sand along with my protein skimmer I should do a good enough job myself.I know that I need to only stir the top layer because the middle layers hold all the toxins. I have been looking into power heads getting what I need before I over stock the tank and it all crashes.

 

The RO/DI I haven't even considered. something I must now look up. I have been looking at some refugiums Since I have a smaller tank could I use a hang on back clear breader box/refugiums. it is only 1 gallon capacity. Will this work?

 

welcome to 3reef Paula and the salt side of the hobby! It looks like you're doing a nice job with your set up. You definitely want the RO/DI water because it will save you tons of headaches in the long run.

I'll let others help with the refugium. I'm not well versed in them so I'd be hesitant to say yay or nay.